Further stakeholder engagement on revised proposals for a future exemptions regime under the Radioactive Substances Act 1993 and the Environmental Permitting Regulations 2011
The Scottish Government, together with the Department of Energy and Climate Change, Welsh Assembly Government and Department of the Environment in Northern Ireland is currently undertaking a review of the Exemptions Regime Under The Radioactive Substances Act 1993 and The Environmental Permitting Regulations 2010 (the Exemption Order(EO) review). The aim of this review is to introduce a new exemptions regime that is proportionate, legally robust, risk-informed, flexible and transparent in its derivation whilst maintaining the current level of protection for human health and the environment.
In June 2009 we consulted on our proposals, the responses to which have been summarised. A number of technical issues were raised in the consultation which we have now considered. In view of the number of issues raised by consultees and the technical nature of the changes made since that consultation, we believe that our stakeholders should be given the opportunity to comment on these updated proposals.
Our updated proposals are now available for comment.
The engagement package includes the following documents:
· Covering letter including stakeholder list
· Engagement document
· Draft Regulations for England and Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
· Draft Government guidance
· Draft Impact Assessment
· Response form
How to respond
Comments on the engagement package (including answers to specific questions set out in the draft impact assessment) are welcome, and a response form has been included to assist with your response. All responses will be considered before final decisions on the revised regime are taken.
Please note that this is an 8-week engagement exercise and responses must be received by 6 October 2010. It is hoped that we will be able to hold stakeholder workshops in the week commencing 13 September 2010. Details will follow in due course.
Wherever possible, consultees should submit comments by email to: EO-Review@decc.gsi.gov.uk
Responses can also be submitted by post to:
EO Review Team
Area 3C
Department of Energy and Climate Change
3-8 Whitehall Place
London
SW1A 2HH
A list of those organisations who are being contacted directly can be found attached to the covering letter. If you are aware of any other organisation that might be interested in seeing and commenting on the draft regulations, please let us know and we will inform them of it. Any such suggestions should be sent to the contact point shown above.
The telephone numbers for queries are 0300 068 6101 or 0300 068 6108
Radioactive Waste Team
The Scottish Government